Erie County Broadband Expansion Study | Erie Area Council of Governments

Erie, PA – The Erie Area Council of Governments held a press conference on October 25 to share information about the launch of a countywide broadband expansion feasibility study. Presenters included representatives from project partners including Erie County Executive Brenton Davis; Dr. Perry Wood, Executive Director of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA); Jessica Horan-Kunco, Director of the Erie County Department of Planning; and Michelle Jaggi, Executive Director of the Erie Area Council of Governments (EACOG).

The broadband expansion study will analyze existing broadband infrastructure and coverage gaps and recommend implementation strategies for expanding and improving internet access throughout Erie County. Notably, it will analyze broadband infrastructure across the boundary lines of Erie County’s 38 municipalities. This multi-municipal project will ensure smaller municipalities, which may not have the financial resources or staff to implement a project of this scope are included.

The budget for the project is $125,000 and it is being funded via grants as well as additional funding from the County of Erie. EACOG was one of 52 organizations to receive a federal grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) highly competitive POWER Initiative program. The Erie County Broadband Expansion Feasibility Study was only one of two such projects chosen to be funded by ARC. Additional funding includes a $50,000 Multi-Municipal Collaboration Grant from ECGRA and $25,000 from the County of Erie.

“The COG is honored and excited by the financial commitment and support of our partners,” said Michelle Jaggi. “A project of this scope requires collaboration throughout Erie County to ensure no community or household is left behind with regard to accessing affordable high speed internet.”

The next step of the project will be to hire an expert consultant who will gather and analyze data regarding the current broadband infrastructure and make recommendations on how to provide coverage where there are existing gaps in service and affordability. The Erie County Department of Planning and Community Development will provide economic impact data and GIS services to support the consultant. The information collected during the study, including the recommended implementation strategies, will help Erie County with securing federal money being funneled through the state to build better broadband infrastructure in our region.

“It is imperative Erie County positions itself to be competitive in attracting businesses, workforce, and families to our region,” said County Executive Davis. “Broadband expansion is essential to ensuring long-term growth.”